In every product category, consumers say that environmentally responsible alternatives are priced at a premium. Price remains a significant barrier to wider purchase and use of environmentally friendly alternatives. To be the easy choice for consumers, sustainable products need to be properly valued (price, quality, benefits). Source: GlobeScan Healthy & Sustainable Living Consumer Research (survey of 29,293 people in the general public in June ‒ July 2022)
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Keep up to date with our latest news, webinars, and reports.
Compared to 2021, people are feeling more positive about how disruption from the pandemic has affected aspects of life. Half of respondents in 30 countries cite an improved relationship with nature. Many also feel a stronger sense of community, improved mental health and wellbeing, and an improvement in their finances. Source: GlobeScan Poll on Wellbeing through the Pandemic, Commissioned by BBC World Service (survey of 29,293 people in the general public in June ‒ July 2022)
While 66 percent of corporate employees around the world say that they would quit their job if they felt that their company was not environmentally or socially responsible, the results differ dramatically by generation. The research shows that younger employees have higher expectations for corporate sustainability and that insufficient corporate performance on this issue can lead to a loss of talent. Source: GlobeScan Radar Report 2022 (survey of 21,979 people in the general public in June ‒ July 2022)
Over seven in ten corporate employees around the world say their companies are not doing what they say when it comes to environmental and social responsibility. Sustainability is increasingly important for employees as strong social and environmental performance can help drive loyalty and retention. Source: GlobeScan Radar Report 2022 (survey of 21,979 people in the general public in June ‒ July 2022)
Around the world, over four in ten people surveyed say that the unequal treatment of women is a “very serious” issue. Concern is highest in South Africa and Turkey and lowest in China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea. Younger people tend to be much more concerned about the issue; more than half of Gen Z say that the unequal treatment of women is “very serious,” suggesting growing pressure for gender equality in the future. Source: GlobeScan Radar Report 2022 … “Insight of the Week: Younger Generations Are More Concerned about Unequal Treatment of Women”
People are more worried than ever about climate change, with the perceived seriousness reaching unprecedented levels. Four in ten people say they would not want to have children because of the effects of climate change. Public pressure for more drastic action on climate change will only increase over time. Source: GlobeScan Radar Report 2022 (survey of 29,293 people in the general public in June ‒ July 2022)
People are more worried than ever about climate change, as 65 percent of people around the world today describe the issue as “very serious.” This marks the highest level recorded since tracking began in 2003 and follows a steady increase since 2014. Source: GlobeScan Radar Report 2022 (survey of 29,293 people in the general public in June ‒ July 2022)
Compared to a decade ago, people are now more likely to say that we are currently facing environmental and socio-economic challenges at an unprecedented scale globally. Over eight in ten people now agree with this sentiment compared to three-quarters in 2012. Strikingly, this agreement is similarly strong across all demographics and geographies. Source: GlobeScan Radar Report 2022 (survey of 29,293 people in the general public in June ‒ July 2022)
People in Latin America are affected the most by a lack of fresh water, although as many as one-third of respondents in Africa and the Middle East also report being “greatly affected.” In contrast, around two in ten say they are personally “greatly” affected in North America and the Asia-Pacific region. Shortages of fresh water – an issue that is closely related to climate change – is clearly not affecting people equally. The extent to which people are affected depends on … “Insight of the Week: Water Shortages Felt More Acutely in the Global South”
A strong majority of Corporate Affairs professionals across the world believe that societal expectations for purposeful leadership from companies will grow in the coming years. Responding to these growing societal expectations will likely mean more focus on corporate purpose and demonstrations of a positive impact on society. Source: Oxford-GlobeScan Global Corporate Affairs Survey of 221 Corporate Affairs and corporate communications professionals across 23 countries
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Insight of the Week: Corporate Affairs Roles Are Increasingly Focused on Social Context for Business
Considering how the context within which the Corporate Affairs function has changed in recent years, Corporate Affairs professionals report that capturing the social context within which business operates has grown in prominence compared to three years ago. Other activities that are increasing in prominence are addressing climate risk and an increasing focus on good internal communications. This suggests that the Corporate Affairs function is evolving to better address sustainability and ESG issues as a part of daily activities. Source: Oxford-GlobeScan … “Insight of the Week: Corporate Affairs Roles Are Increasingly Focused on Social Context for Business”
In a world where broad-based social movements are progressively mobilising around issues such as diversity, inclusion, equality, and corruption, Corporate Affairs professionals are increasingly recognising the impact of political populism and the growing polarisation and instability that it brings. The uncertainty it introduces is seen as a rising concern. Since 2020, these risks have grown, with nearly half of Corporate Affairs professionals expressing this as a risk to business, up significantly from last year. Source: Oxford-GlobeScan Global Corporate Affairs … “Insight of the Week: Political Populism and Polarisation Is Increasingly Seen to Be a Risk to Business”
Unilever, Anglo American, Apple, BP, and Nestlé are viewed as being the leaders in Corporate Affairs according to the 2022 Oxford-GlobeScan Global Corporate Affairs Survey. The Corporate Affairs function plays a strong role as a convenor working with stakeholders inside and outside of the company. Along with the role being well integrated across an organization, stakeholders point to managing business risk, having a clear purpose, a coherent narrative, and stakeholder engagement as key factors for being a recognized leader in Corporate Affairs. Source: Oxford-GlobeScan Global … “Insight of the Week: Top Ten Corporate Affairs Leaders”
The perceived urgency of climate change has risen steadily in the past decade, with sustainability experts today almost unanimously calling climate change an urgent issue. As climate concern grows, so do expectations for companies and brands to focus on delivering impact, not only on their own performance but also for the broader sustainability agenda. Source: GlobeScan/SustainAbility Institute by ERM Survey of over 700 experts representing business, government, NGOs, and academia across 73 countries
As companies communicate more about environmental and social topics, they also face scrutiny about their actions and impacts. Where there is a perceived disconnect between statements of intent and actual activities, accusations of greenwashing soon follow. According to Corporate Affairs professionals, just over one in five organizations have been accused of greenwashing in the past. This is particularly common among respondents in Europe (32%) and the consumer products/retail sectors (41%). Source: Oxford-GlobeScan Global Corporate Affairs Survey 2022, n=221, 2022
Considering how the war in Ukraine will affect sustainability in the long term, experts are most likely to say it will accelerate the use of renewable energy. However, many also acknowledge that it may be a distraction in the short term, and some believe that it will draw attention and resources from the sustainable development agenda in the longer term. Source: GlobeScan/SustainAbility Institute by ERM Survey of over 700 experts representing business, government, NGOs, and academia across 73 countries
Compared with five years ago, sustainability experts today are more likely to say that national governments, the private sector, and multi-sector partnerships should drive sustainable development. As pressure grows on these groups, experts are also less likely to expect leadership from The United Nations. Following The United Nations’ launch of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, experts may now be looking to national governments and business to implement the sustainability agenda. Source: GlobeScan/SustainAbility Institute by ERM Survey of over 700 … “Insight of the Week: Growing Expectations for National Governments to Lead on Sustainable Development in Coming Decades”
Along with integration, experts are increasingly looking for evidence of impacts and actions when it comes to corporate sustainability leadership. Compared with four years ago, experts are more likely to recognize companies as sustainability leaders because they share impactful results of their sustainability initiatives. While purpose and goals remain important, growing attention to greenwashing means that claims need to be reinforced with tangible results. Source: GlobeScan/SustainAbility Institute by ERM Survey of over 700 experts representing business, government, NGOs, and academia … “Insight of the Week: Integration and Impact Are Key Indicators of Recognized Corporate Sustainability Leadership”
Across all sectors and geographies, sustainability experts are most likely to name World Wildlife Fund (WWF) as the leading NGO for advancing sustainable development. Overall, mentions of NGOs have declined in recent years, which could indicate an expectation that these organizations should be doing more to mobilize efforts on sustainable development. Source: GlobeScan/SustainAbility Survey of over 700 experts representing business, government, NGOs, and academia across 73 countries
Three in ten sustainability experts name Unilever as sustainability leader, followed by Patagonia. These companies have maintained their leadership positions over the last decade, with other companies increasingly being recognized for their sustainability efforts. Microsoft makes the top five for the first time, behind Natura &Co and IKEA. Source: GlobeScan/SustainAbility Survey of over 700 experts representing business, government, NGOs, and academia across 73 countries
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In almost every country surveyed, more than three in four people say children need to spend time in nature. This feeling is particularly strong in emerging markets but is also prominent in more industrialized countries as well. This suggests that children and future generations can be a powerful driver in motivating people to preserve nature. Source: Navigating the Nature Agenda, a GlobeScan survey of 10,996 respondents across 11 countries on perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors around nature
Across 11 countries surveyed, people are most likely to say that documentaries, scientists, friends and family, and nature NGOs are the most trusted sources for information on nature. Fewer than half trust business leaders or celebrity spokespeople. As consumers pay more attention to nature claims, businesses can build credibility by publicly supporting nature scientists, films and NGOs, and helping to amplify their message. Source: Navigating the Nature Agenda, a GlobeScan survey of 10,996 respondents across 11 countries on perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors … “Insight of the Week: Public Trusts Information on Nature from Documentaries, Scientists, Friends & NGOs Twice as Much as from Business”
Few people around the world say nature is in a good state; most express worry or alarm about nature in their country. Concern about nature being in a catastrophic state is highest in Brazil, Malaysia, Mexico, and France, and lowest in China and the UK. Public anxiety for the state of nature is nearly universal, suggesting a global agreement on nature would be well received by people in most countries. Source: Navigating the Nature Agenda, a GlobeScan survey of 10,996 respondents across 11 countries on perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors around nature
People in countries that create the most carbon emissions are increasingly likely to say climate change is serious. Significant increases in concern have been registered across all countries since the Paris Agreement in 2015. As world leaders meet in Davos, collective action across high-emitting countries is critical to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Source: GlobeScan Radar Report 2021 (survey of 30,000 people in the general public in July 2021)